Flipped Learning Resources

Dan Spencer
Educational Technology Consultant - Jackson (MI) County ISD

bit.ly/flipclassresources

Contact Info:
Email: dan.spencer at jcisd.org
Twitter: @runfardvs
Google Plus: +Dan Spencer
Website: http://danielvspencer.org
The Flipped Classroom Described - An Ideology, Not a Methodology
From my blog post Khan and Beyond: The Many Faces of the Flipped Classroom
When it comes down to it, the tag "Flipped Classroom" is really just a catchy phrase covering a
wide range of teaching practices. To quote one of the best educators I know (Brian Bennett),
"the Flipped Classroom isn't a methodology. It's an ideology." In other words, there isn't a single
method that is everything to everyone, or an all-exhaustive list of bullet points that will spoonfeed you everything you need to know. For some, the vagueness of the previous sentences will
be frustrating, but trust me, this is a good thing! It means the flipped classroom philosophy is
fluid and adaptable. It means that when done the right way, it can positively impact student
learning regardless of the subject or classroom.
Many who are just learning about the Flipped Classroom might jump to the conclusion that it's
all about Khan Academy videos in the classroom. Now don't get me wrong here, I feel that
resources like the Khan Academy are fantastic options, but need to be part of a much larger
picture. So while I'm grateful for the recent buzz and opportunities for discussion, when it comes
down to it, it's not about the videos, it's about learning.
What is most exciting is to see the innovation on the front lines, led by classroom teachers, who
have taken this idea and modified it into something that meets the needs of their situation and
students. In some classrooms, the flipped philosophy takes advantage of teacher or student
made content libraries (similar to Khan Academy) or Mathtrain where students and parents can
have on-demand access to class content that is rewindable and reviewable. In other scenarios,
it addresses the problem of students having access to teachers when they need help the most
by removing direct instruction from the classroom, turning that into the homework (hence the
term "flip"), and freeing up class time for more effective learning activities and increased
student-teacher interactions. At its best, it means students take ownership of their learning by
choosing how they learn content and demonstrate understanding, all while being allowed to
master it at their own pace.

Table of Contents (Thanks for the idea Katie!)

Flipped Learning in a Nutshell

Great Quotes on Flipped Learning
For Fun
Flipped Learning Spectrum Examples
Books on Flipping
Flipped Class Done Right - Daily Riff Articles
Explanations on Flipped Learning from the Best of the Best
Technology Considerations For Flipping (Flowcharts)
Are You Looking For Content Thats Already Created?
Creating Your Own Content? Heres Equipment Youll Need
Screencasting Software Options
Web-based Screencasting Options
Online Whiteboards
Low Tech Option
Screencast/Video Hosting Options
Learning Management Systems
iPad Whiteboard/Video Apps
Other Tools
Curating Content
Screencasting Scenarios and the Tools Youll Need
Creating Effective Content
Helpful Networks, Blogs, Articles, Websites, etc
Moving Towards Mastery
A Few Misconceptions about Flipped Learning
Issues to Consider
Questions and Concerns about Flipped Learning
Flipped Educators Who Share

Flipped Learning in a Nutshell

The blog post Maybe We Should Call It The Shifted Classroom by Audrey McGoldrick is
probably the best descriptions of flipped learning I have ever seen!

Here are a few of the points she makes:

The idea of flipped vs shifted learning. I dont want to get into semantics but I feel the word
shifted describes what happens in my classroom much better than flipped.
There are three critical mismatches in teacher centered (or one size fits all) classrooms:
Lesson Time Comprehension Time. Just because students are in class for the
same amount of time does not mean they have learned the same amount.
Students are alone when they need help the most. See Dr. Ramsey Musallams explanation of
cognitive load and individual learning spaces vs. community learning spaces.
What happens when there is only one dispenser of knowledge in the classroom?
When used correctly, technology can help us alleviate those mismatches.
Notice the sizes of the teacher and student images in the beginning compared to the end. What
does that tell you about how learning should be?

Great Quotes on Flipped Learning

Brian Bennett - The Flipped Classroom is a mindset, not a method.

Aaron Sams - There is no such thing as THE flipped classroom.
Ramsey Musallam - There is no pedagogy, technology or technique that is a silver bullet or the
independent variable for good teaching. . . No technology can make the honor of being a
teacher an easier thing. Techniques, pedagogies, etc. can make what we do more efficient, but
only if we first, through hours and hours of sweat, empathy and failure, work towards a system
that transcends technology.
Brett Clark - Flipping the classroom is not the answer to solving all of the flaws in our education
system. However, neither is doing nothing and continuing on like nothing is wrong.
Aaron and Brian - Ultimately, flipped learning is not about flipping the 'when and where'
instruction is delivered; it's about flipping the attention away from the teacher and toward the
learner.
Paul Andersen - The teacher is the most important part of a functioning classroom . . . Just
because you create videos doesnt mean you are teaching them . . . teacher implies learning
and if you are not getting learning youre not a teacher, youre simply at talker.

For Fun

The Perfect Circle YouTube Clip

Can you draw a perfect circle just by watching someone else do it? How do students master
something? Is lecture the best way to help students reach mastery?
Ferris Bueller Voodoo Economics YouTube Clip
How effective is one-size fits all lecture? Why do some insist on teaching this way?
Gus vs. The Pool YouTube Clip by Justkristan
Keep at it. Be persistent. It will work if you just keep tweaking.
Origami Crane YouTube Clip by Tavin15
Can you make an origami crane by just watching this video once?
What would happen if you could watch it several times as needed?
What would happen if you could watch the video as needed and work with others to learn how
to do it?

Flipped Learning Spectrum Examples

The Flipped Classroom in 20 Minutes Video

Great (but hurried) explanation from one of the original developers of the Flipped Classroom Aaron Sams. This is the presentation he gave at the 2011 American Chemical Society
Conference.
Points of Pain (Ron Houtman):
Big Idea: At the end of the day, what are you sick and tired of repeating? Create a screencast
for the next person who asks the exact same question.
If youve been teaching long you know which topics students have a hard time with and need
extra time to grasp. Create a screencast to let them review as needed.
A Content Library (Dan Spencer):
Big Idea: Creating content that is accessible at any time (doesnt necessarily have to be on an
iPod Touch) and rewindable.
Students and parents can then access classroom content and go over it at their pace and on
their schedule.
The Flipped Classroom (Aaron Sams):
Big Idea: What is the best use of classroom time? When do students need their teachers
guidance the most - during a lecture or when doing homework problems?
This shows how teachers can make lectures the homework and do what used to be homework
during class.
The Flipped-Mastery Classroom (Jon Bergmann):
Big Idea #1: Students need to demonstrate they understand before moving on.
Big Idea #2: Students should be able to learn at their own pace.
How can we take advantage of technology to individualize learning?
Beyond or Student Directed Learning (Brian Bennett)
Big Idea: I (the teacher) dont care how you (the learner) learn as long as you learn. Here are
your options to learn GLCE/HSCE/Learning Objective X . . . choose what works best for you.
The Internal Flip (Erin Klein)
Big Idea: Erin is an amazing elementary school teacher who creates digital learning stations for
her students. One of her centers is a spot where kids can watch introductory videos that help
them with their activity without needing the teacher to be there.
Teacher Collaboration (Steve Kelly and Zach Cresswell)

Big Idea: Kevin Honeycutt says The cancer of education is isolation. There is no need to do
this all on your own. Find other interested teachers and work on this together.
For more ideas check out the Co-Flip Collective.
Student Created Content (Eric Marcos)
Want to see if students really understand? Have them create the content. You will see quickly
whether or not they get it.
Authentic audiences (beyond just the teacher) matter to students and they will be much more
likely to go above and beyond if they know their peers will be seeing it.
Students are much more likely to go to a peer for help than their teacher. Empower students to
help each other by creating student experts.
Flipped PD (Kristin Daniels and Wayne Feller)
Nothing is more frustrating for a busy teacher than a worthless session of professional
development.
Nothing is more frustrating for an overwhelmed trainer than a room full of teachers who cant get
their log-ins to work.
How can teachers have access to on-demand PD while still getting the personal attention they
need to make changes in the classroom?
Flipped PD allows teachers to have access to PD they want and when they need it, while also
allowing trainers and coaches to focus on helping individuals.
Check out this explanation of how they do it and watch Kristin blow everyone out of the water
with her TEDx talk.

Books on Flipping

Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student In Every Class Every Day by Jon Bergmann and
Aaron Sams
This is the original book on Flipping. Jon and Aaron do a wonderful job explaining the nuts and
bolts of flipping your classroom.
Flipping 2.0 by Jason Bretzmann
Every chapter is written by a different teacher explaining how they have flipped learning in their
classroom. I love the concrete examples of how flipping is being done in many different age
levels and subject areas.
Flipping Your English Class to Reach All Learners by Troy Cockrum
Troy is a high school English teacher and the host of the Edreach Flipped Learning podcast.
Many times when I do a training for teachers on flipping English teachers are the most skeptical
on what this would like in their classroom. Ive used many examples from this book to show how
flipping isnt just for math and science classes.

Flipped Class Done Right - Daily Riff Articles

The Flipped Class Manifest

The Flipped Classroom: What it is and what it isnt
The Flipped Classroom: Are You Ready to Flip?
The Flipped Classroom: What a Good One Looks Like

Explanations on Flipped Learning from the Best of the Best

Aaron Sams (ACS 2011 Conference)

Flipped Classroom Explained in 22 Minutes
Ramsey Musallam - YouTube Teachers Conference
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rub1VNq2NvM&feature=related
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIwKVRQJ1PE&feature=related
Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjElGeJaHZc&feature=related
Part 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rub1VNq2NvM&feature=related
Brian Bennett - The Flipped Classroom and Mastery Learning (YISS PD)
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtc6ZSXVFA8&feature=related
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v06EKsdfPpg&feature=related
Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBskj_Fq3ko&feature=related
Part 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_l4fCAH2rQ&feature=related
John Sowash - Southfield Christian
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfz3BCUvass
ISTE 2012 - Many Faces of the Flipped Classroom Panel
Myself, Kristin Daniels, Stacey Roshan, Ramsey Musallam, Brian Bennett, and Eric Marcos
discuss how we use the flipped concept in different ways.
Paul Andersen - aka BozemanScience - Reflections on Digital Aristotle
Fantastic video about the misconception of teachers being replaced by computers but also
reinforces where teachers are most effective in teaching and learning.
Are you a teacher or a talker? The teacher is the most important part of a functioning
classroom.
Brian Bennett - Training on the Flipped Concept and Techsmith tools that can be used to flip
your classroom.
Demystifying Flipped Learning
Jonathon Thomas-Palmer (FlippingPhysics) shares a very entertaining (Bo is my favorite
student) video explanation of what his AP Physics class looks like now that hes flipped it and
gives advice on how you can do the same.
How to Flip a Classroom - Inside and Out
Tom Driscoll (Flipped-History) shares a series of articles he has written about how he has
developed his Flipped-Mastery classroom.
Flipped Mastery Article Series
Troy Cockrum (Edreach Flipped Learning channel) has weekly interviews with flipped teacher of
all age levels and subject areas.

Technology Considerations For Flipping (Flowcharts)

1.
2.
a.
b.

Where will you get your content?

Where will you store the video content you create?
Options
Flowchart

3.
4.
5.
6.

How will you organize the content for your students?

How will students access classroom content?
How will you assess what students have learned?
How can you modify your classroom space to encourage learning?

Are You Looking For Content Thats Already Created?

Khan Academy
FYI - Im really conflicted about putting Khan Academy as a resource for precreated content.
Please, please, please, make sure you watch anything you assign from KA first to make sure its
right for your students and promise me youll only use it for good instead of evil when it comes
to attaching the words flipped and Khan in the same sentence.
Brightstorm
Seems to be aimed at high school subject areas (math, science, ELA, and test prep). Videos
are short (2-5 minutes) and taught by teachers.
Freemium based (some resources are free but they really want you to pay for full access)
iTunes and iTunesU
I love iTunesU! Its free. Content is from educators and there is a lot of it. If you go to the K-12
category (upper right hand corner of iTunesU) youll be able to search from the libraries of
dozens of educational institutions. My personal favorite is Michigans MI Learning.
One caveat on iTunes, if you want to get to the resources you have to download iTunes onto
your computer and have an Apple account. To download iTunes go here. There is also an iPad
app.
Mathispower4u - Tutorials by James Sousa
I like people who share and am a huge fan of content licensed under Creative Commons.
James Sousa has created thousands of math videos that are free to use as long as we attribute
the work to him, use it only for noncommercial purposes, and promise to let others use anything
we create based on his work. Even better, James is promoting open source materials,
textbooks, and resources.
TED Talks and TED-Ed
Looking for real-world applications to just about any topic? Check out TEDs ideas worth
spreading. Get 5-17 minute talks by experts in a wide variety of fields. Heres one of my
favorites about the brain, electricity, and a cockroach beatbox.
TED-Ed takes some of the best TED talks and teacher lessons and animates them specifically
for classroom use. Videos are typically 3-5 minutes long. Teachers can also add questions to
create flipped lessons. Heres one of my favorites on logarithms and red eyes by math teacher
Steve Kelly.
YouTube and YouTube EDU
Theres a lot on YouTube - good, bad, and everything in between. Sift carefully.

Creating Your Own Content? Heres Equipment Youll Need

Computer with screencasting software (I use Camtasia and Jing but there are lots of options)
See options below

Presentations Software
PowerPoint, ActiveInspire (Promethean), Notebook (SMART), are the most common and allow
you to annotate on the screen - which is very important.
Online whiteboards like AWW or Educreations (registration required) also work.
Microphones
USB microphones work much better than built-in computer mics. Lots of options.
I use a Blue Snowball for my mic (a little more expensive than necessary but it does a good job)
Techsmith has put together a list of microphones they have tested and work well with their
software.
Tablet for annotating slides
Were not talking about an iPad here (thought they can be used this way)
If youve ever tried to write using your mouse you know how hard that is to do. Tablets are really
just computer mice that look and feel like pens.
Wacom Bamboo (shop around, you should never pay more than $60 for one of these!)
SMART Slate (buy only if you have a SMART brand interactive white board, more expensive
because its wireless)
Promethean ActivSlate (once again, buy only if you have a Promethean Brand interactive
whiteboard, also more expensive b/c of wireless)
Many, many other brands that do the same thing
An online place to keep screencasts
See options below
Learning Management Systems
One stop shopping for class content
Moodle, Blackboard, Edmodo, etc

Screencasting Software Options

Camtasia Studio (PC) or Camtasia for Mac

Techsmith (makers of Camtasia) are located in Okemos, MI. Very educator friendly and give
significant educator discounts.
You do have to pay for this but you can get a free 30-day trial to test it out.
Unlimited time, lots of editing options, allows you to save in different formats
Dozens of free tutorials on how to use it.
Jing
Free, requires a download and registering for screencast.com.
Works on Mac or PC.
Up to five minutes of screencapture video
Allows you to upload to screencast.com.
No editing options.
Snagit
Similar to Jing but with a few more options - unlimited recording time being one of them.
Screenflow
Mac Only. Similar to Camtasia

Web-based Screencasting Options

Snagit for Google Chrome

Simple option for those trying to screencast on a Chromebook.
Free
Need a Google Account.
Need to download both the Chrome extension and the Google app.
No editing ability.
Uploads directly to your Google Drive account or YouTube channel.
Screencast-o-matic
Free, no download required ($12/year Pro option allows more time and several other tools)
Web-based
15 minutes of screencapture video
Partnered with the learning management system Sophia.
Screenr
Free, web-based screencasting similar to Educreations and Screencast-o-matic
Movenote
Movenote doesnt record your screen Screencast-o-matic or Screenr. It does however let you
upload slides (as long as they are in PDF, JPG, or PNG format) and uses your webcam to
create a picture-in-picture effect. Heres an example.
You can use it through the website, Google App, or mobile iOS / Android device.
This seems to be best for a narrated slideshow type of presentation that doesnt need to be
annotated.

Online Whiteboards

A Web Whiteboard - AWW

A whiteboard that works on all internet browsers. No screencasting option (see Scriblink below)
Scriblink
Whiteboard but no screencasting option. You will need to use one of the screencasting
programs like Jing, with it to create a video.
Requires Java
Up to 5 slides
Annotating options: pen width, color
Extras: lines, shapes, text boxes, grid, import images, background color, characters/symbols,
equations
Educreations
Free registration
Allows you to make screencasts but they are available only to registered students in your class.
Could be used with Jing for wider audiences.
Multiples slides
Only annotating option is pen color
Extras: Import images, record audio, only people who are registered in your courses can view
screencasts

Low Tech Option

Camera + Tripod + you in front of a white board. Thats how they do it here at FIZZ and it works
just fine. One-take video resources

Screencast/Video Hosting Options

Screencast.com
2GB of free storage, more available for paid version
Youtube
Students are already here but many districts block YT. YouTube EDU is a good alternative.
Vimeo
Less commercialized alternative to YT. May be blocked but Ive found districts are much more
willing to unblock Vimeo than YT. Upload limits for free accounts.
Be careful - some content Vimeo views as artistic is not safe for school or work.
TeacherTube and SchoolTube
Similar to YT but on a much smaller scale. Education related videos only. Any uploaded videos
must be approved before becoming available. Time frame for approval can last anywhere from
a few hours to days.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud storage site. You can get a free 2 GB account and get extra storage by
getting others to sign up. 2 GB fills up fast. Each file you upload to your Dropbox folders has a
unique URL for students to watch online and can be downloaded for watching offline.
Google Drive
Googles version of Dropbox. Youll need a Google Account to sign up. You get 5 GB free
storage when you sign up. This is great for teachers in Google Apps for Education districts.

Learning Management Systems

Youll need one place where your students can go for class content whether they are in your
class or not. Here are a few options:
Moodle
Open source LMS (free) but youll need a dedicated server to host it. Many districts have their
own Moodle server but if you dont there are companies that will host your Moodle site for you
for a small fee.
Lots and lots of options available from quizzes, to grading, to SCORM. That may be frustrating
for some because they get overwhelmed trying to learn it all. One teacher I know described
Moodle perfectly - It takes 5 minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. My advice - start out
using it as a place to keep all assignments and content and then build from there.
I used it because it allowed my students to take quizzes and grade
BlackBoard
Similar to Moodle but more polished. Used more at the university level.
Need to pay to use BB - usually per student and that can get very expensive.
Edmodo
Ive never used Edmodo but many teachers swear by it. Only people that can view content are
those who are members of your class.

Set up similar to Facebook.

Calendar, post links, documents, take polls, and even create quizzes.
Free
Schoology
Very similar to Edmodo/Facebook but also has some nice features similar to Moodle:
Per Joe Huber at Education Studio: Schoology, at first, appears to look like Facebook but
operates like a more user-friendly version of Moodle . . . Whats nice about Schoology is that it
is a true CMS in that you can create tests and quizzes within the platform or import test items
from Blackboard that will also be graded for you. Analytics are provided so that users can also
examine the results of test questions to identify the validity of specific items.
Sophia
More of a social learning site than LMS but it allows you to collect digital content and package
it for your students. Also allows you to access other content on the site.
Free
Lore (formerly Coursekit)
Very interesting LMS with the ability to post calendar, course resources, a syllabus, submit
assignments, and a gradebook.
Free
Lectrio
Simple LMS with the ability to post calendars, lessons, assignments, discussions and student
reports.
Powered by Google Docs
Free for up to 30 students. Paid versions for more.
Brainhoney
Haiku

iPad Whiteboard/Video Apps

Explain Everything (~$3)

By far my favorite whiteboard app because of all the extra features (multiple slides, multiple
types of media - including video, the ability to export as an mp4, integration with
YouTube/Dropbox/Google Drive/Evernote, etc) that simply arent available in free apps. Well
worth $3.
Screenchomp (free)
Doceri (free)
Knowmia Teach (free)
Showme (free)
Educreations (free)

Other Tools

Google Form with embedded YouTube video (example from a Flipped Staff Meeting)
Google Forms now allows you to embed YouTube videos into forms you create.
Check for understanding by having students submit answers to questions youve asked during
the video or have them summarize what they learned.
How to insert videos into Google Forms by Richard Byrne at FreeTech4Teachers.

Ed.Ted.com
Take any TED video or YouTube video (whether you created it or someone else) and create a
flipped lesson complete with questions and extra resources. Student responses are emailed to
you.
VideoNotes
Take notes on YouTube videos and sync with your Google Drive account.

Curating Content

A flipped classroom content consists of more than just a library of videos but will include all sorts
of digital media. How do you keep it all arranged? Here are a few tools Ive used to:
MentorMob
MM lets you create Playlists of links, files, and/or text from your content. Heres an example of
a playlist Ive made for my Flipped Classroom presentations.
Pinterest
This may be blocked in your district but Im seeing more and more educators use it to collect
ideas ranging from pedagogy, to classroom management, to content.
Learnist
Similar to Pinterest but designed specifically for learning.
Educlipper
Once again, similar to Pinterest but designed specifically for educators.
Blendspace
Symbaloo
EDPuzzle
Review on EDPuzzle from Quim Sabria - Make any video your lesson! Take any video from
YouTube or upload you own and create a flipped lesson. Crop it and take only what you need,
complete it with questions or make it more personal with audio notes. Besides, you have a
collection of lessons created by other teachers (with questions and comments). Check out the
new "Student project" where students create the videos for the teacher!

Screencasting Scenarios and the Tools Youll Need

(adapted from Ramsey Musallams MCOE workshop)

A computer and tablet (like the Wacom Bamboo) are needed for all of these scenarios.
All tools listed are free or standard programs. Some may require downloads.
Scenario 1: I dont need anything fancy, just a simple whiteboard to record my inking
Tools needed (Mac or PC): Educreations or Jing and Scriblink
Scenario 2: I want to record myself filling in a worksheet
Mac Tools: Jing or Quicktime and Open-Sankore
PC Tools: Jing or Screencast-o-matic and Word
Scenario 3: I have presentation slides and want to record myself inking
Mac Tools: Jing or Quicktime and OmniDazzle or Open-Sankore
PC Tools: Jing or Screencast-o-matic and PowerPoint
Scenario 4: I want to record myself inking all over my computer screen
Mac Tools: Jing or Quicktime and Open-Sankore

PC Tools: Jing or Screencast-o-matic and Open-Sankore

Creating Effective Content

The eLearning Coach - Connie Malamed

How To Stop Making Boring Videos podcast
Khan Academy and the Effectiveness of Science Videos by 1veritasium
The importance of actively addressing misconceptions in content videos.

Helpful Networks, Blogs, Articles, Websites, etc

My Diigo Collection (pro, con, and everything in between) of Flipped Resources

*The Flipped Class Network
Network for teachers of all age groups and subjects who are flipping their classroom.
*Cycles of Learning website authored by Ramsey Musallam Ed.D
Ramsey teaches in San Francisco and his focus is on research-driven pedagogy of the flipped
classroom. He gives some great models, resources and ideas for teachers on his website.
His post Flip Instruction: Questions that Must be Addressed (posted 9/2/11) is one of the best
explanations I have ever read on how to teach the flipped classroom the right way.
*Flipped Learning website authored by Jon Bergmann
TONS of great resources on the Flipped Classroom by one of its pioneers - Jon Bergmann.
*The Flipped Class Manifest - Daily Riff article
Several of the top flippers around the country co-wrote this article explaining what the Flipped
Class done right should look like.
*Webinar with Alan November and Dr. Eric Mazur - November Learning
Fantastic podcast about how Harvard physics professor Eric Mazur uses the FC (though he
doesnt call it that) in his courses. In terms of pedagogy and learning Dr. Mazur is often quoted
by Ramsey Musallam.
*Should You Flip Your Classroom - Edutopia article by Ramsey Musallam
An honest discussion about the pros and cons of the Flipped Classroom and whether or not this
might be something for you.
*No Such Thing As THE Flipped Classroom - Blog post by Aaron Sams
Addressing some of the criticisms and misconceptions regarding the Flipped Classroom.
*To Flip or Not To Flip - Blog post by Brian Bennett
A synopsis of the Flipped Classroom done right in response to ISTEs point/counterpoint.
*To Flip or Not To Flip - Article by Stacey Roshan
A very honest explanation of why Stacey chose to flip her math classes. I especially love the
concept of the compassion of technology.
*The Truth about Flipped Learning - eSchoolNews article by Aaron and Brian
Addressing misconceptions about the FC.
*Supporting Students in a #Flipclass - Blog post by Brian Bennett
Things to consider when structuring an effective flipped classroom
Flipped Classroom: You Keep Saying That Word . . . - Guest post by Brian Bennett

Many teachers and businesses are casually slapping the label Flipped Classroom on just
about everything right now. Brian explains the philosophy behind a flipped classroom done
right.
Redesigning Learning in a Flipped Classroom - Blog post by Brian Bennett
How do we change the way we teach if we want the FC to be effective?
Khan and Beyond: The Many Faces of the Flipped Classroom
A blog post I wrote for Techsmith addressing different examples of the Flipped Classroom in
action.
Why the Flipped Class is Here to Stay - Blog post by Brian Bennett
Flip Your Classroom Through Reverse Instruction - Blog post by John Sowash
The Flipped Classroom Model: A Full Picture - Blog post by Jackie Gerstein Ed.D
Teachers Turn Learning Upside-Down - eSchoolNews article by Meris Stansbury
An article about different teachers and classrooms using the Flipped Classroom ideology.
The Flip: Why I Love It, How I Use It - MindShift article by Shelley Wright
Ending the Tyranny of Lectures - eSchoolNews article by Dennis Pierce

Moving Towards Mastery

Focusing on mastering content rather than just covering it may mean you have to make
some changes in how you teach. Here are some resources that can help you move towards
mastery in your classroom.
Differentiation
Differentiation has been a buzzword in education circles for a long time. People talk about it all
the time but actually doing it is whole other issue. Heres some resources that might spark
some ideas:
Dare to Differentiate wiki
Giving students choices in their learning
Layered Curriculum - I was using the concept of Layered Curriculum before I had even heard
about the Flipped Classroom. The idea is that students take ownership of their learning when
they have choice in how they do it. For examples of LC units go to Dr. Kathie Nunleys website
here.
Choice Boards - Brian Bennett shared this example in his Flipped Classroom Conference 2012
keynote. The idea is that you create a tic-tac-toe board of different ways students can learn the
content. Students then choose three of those assignments forming a straight line.
You Choose Assignments - I used these at the end of every unit as a way for students
demonstrate what they had learned. It usually went something like this:
Show me what you understand about learning objective ______ by creating one of the
following: (Teacher chooses 3-5 different options that students can choose from to demonstrate
understanding).
Standards Based Grading
Learning Spaces
Learning doesnt always happen in straight rows. If you want your students to work together,
collaborate, or be able to work on different things at different times straight rows of desks mights
not be the best arrangement.
Heres something to think about: What happens when everyone is pointed towards the front of
the room? What could happen if there wasnt a front of the room?

Every classroom is different but here are some ideas of how you could rearrange your room to
make it more Mastery friendly.
My attempt at Pinterest - Classroom Seating Arrangements and Learning Spaces
Websites on classroom seating arrangements:
Seating Arrangements for Dummies - Things to consider and examples.
Kids Teaching Kids
A huge part of mastery is helping students take ownership of their learning. There are a lot of
moving parts necessary to make that happen but helping students understand how they can use
each other to learn is a big piece. But there is a big difference between collaboration and
mooching and students will need help learning how to work together effectively.
Edutopia Article on how to scaffold student collaboration by Rebecca Alber - Deeper Learning: A
Collaborative Classroom is Key

A Few Misconceptions about Flipped Learning

Be sure to read Aaron and Brians article The Truth About Flipped Learning where they discuss
several misconceptions related to the flipped classroom.

Misconception: You dont need teachers anymore -or- I can cram 50 kids into a computer lab
to teach them chemistry so I dont have to pay for a teacher
Its not about the videos or technology. Its about learning. The teacher is one of the most
important parts of the learning process. Flipping done right doesnt replace teachers, it gives
them more flexibility to work with students when they need help the most.
How do we leverage technology to give teachers more time to do what they do best?
Technology makes content rewindable and accessible. Teachers can only give a lesson a
certain number of times before they need to move on. Use technology to allow students to learn
at their pace.
Teachers make content relevant, engaging, and individualized. When it comes to building
positive relationships, motivating students, and making learning personal a computer screen
can never replace a human being.
Using technology without the human element needed to check for true understanding misses
the point.
Misconception: Teachers can sit at their desk during class now and grade papers or update their
Fantasy Football teams.
Teachers will have to spend a lot of upfront time to have this ready for their students. That does
not mean class time is when they can sit at their desk and do other things.
The human element is the most important part of the flipped classroom.
Now that all the content is available at any time, teachers need to spend their time moving
around the room and working one-on-one with their students to guide, check for understanding
and motivate students.
Depending on the amount of class time its not unrealistic to expect teachers to make contact
with every student during a block class period or every student over two 50-minute classes.
Misconception: This will be chaos - theres no structure if every kids is going at his or her own
pace.

I am a firm believer that choices in learning can lead to ownership of it. When students have
choices in how, when, and where they learn they will be much more likely to take ownership of
their learning. Because many students are used to being told how, when, and where they are
supposed to learn, downtime in the classroom often turns into wasted time and apathy.
Learning doesnt always have to take place in organized rows. There will be a lot of kids doing
a lot of different things. Activity doesnt necessarily mean chaos.
Once again, this is where the human element comes in. Teachers need to spend a lot of time at
the beginning of the year modeling how they expect students to behave, teaching time
management skills, and demonstrating how students take ownership of their learning.
Classroom management is key.
This is just bad pedagogy (or status-quo) with a technology twist.
Bad teaching is bad teaching and putting a kid in front of a computer or having students watch a
screencast at home doesnt magically fix the problem. In fact, it makes the problem more
apparent.
Some people feel direct instruction has no place in the classroom. I feel the way its done
currently is not effective but it does have some positives. Some kids do learn this way. More
kids would learn if they had a way to do it at a pace that works for them. We at least need to let
it be an option for those who want it.
Great blog post - Using Video to Help Learners
Ask yourself, what is the best way for my kids to learn _______. Do you have enough class
time to do that? Are there ways that you can free up class time so there are more opportunities
for the good stuff? Do you even need a video, or is there something else you can use?
This is a cookie-cutter solution. This will look the same regardless of student level, subject, or
teacher.
This will not look the same for every teacher or every subject.
Dont use technology for technologys sake. Use it for a purpose. If a screencast isnt the best
option for learning then dont use it.
Focus - what is the best way for my students to learn __________. That may or may not
involve video.

Issues to Consider

Computer/internet access
There is not a silver bullet (one solution that will work for everyone) for this but there are lots of
silver BBs. Theres always a way and those ways are becoming increasingly accessible and
cheap! Give kids options and expectations then let them decide.
High-speed internet at home - no problems
Computer but no internet - save on USB at school, view at home
Smartphones - download videos onto phones (free)
iPods/iPads - set up free iTunes account, students subscribe and get free updates
No computer - burn onto DVDs. Ive even heard of teachers who bought cheap portable DVD
players to loan out to kids who didnt have DVD players at home.
Grading
Works amazingly well with Standards Based Grading systems.
Unfortunately, we live in an A-E world but it can be adjusted to work.

My system (not perfect, not the only way, but it worked for my situation - find the system that
works best for you and your classroom)
50% Summative Assessments
I allowed students to retake quizzes/tests as many times as necessary without penalty. They
needed to earn 70% or better before moving on.
50% Weekly Progress (By Friday of this week you earn 8/10 points if you are here, 7/10 points
if you are here . . . )
Build notes into your grading system. I made them part of my progress grade.
To get notes checked off students had to write at least one page (this is a random amount I
picked - nothing scientific about it) and ask me one question about something they didnt
understand.
I could tell very quickly whether or not they really payed attention by the question they asked. I
had no problem asking kids to rewatch the screencast if it was obvious they learned little from it.
Many of my other assignments were based on completion and being able to demonstrate they
understood.
Example: when they are ready to check off an assignment I first look to see if they have
everything done and then ask them to show me how they did one of the problems. If they can
show me how to do the problem I assume they know how to do the others.
Time Required
Same amount of time required, its just shifted.
Most of the work is now front-loaded. Frees up time for teacher to be with students one-on-one,
but it requires planning and working ahead.
Baby steps. This is not something you decide to do on Friday and have up and running perfectly
on Monday. For me, this was a several year process.
The payoff comes when you have created content libraries that you are happy with - once
created they are always available and only change if you want them to.
Assessment
What if students dont watch the videos?
Check out this video by Katie Gimbar explaining how she handles this.
Several options here:
Traditional options:
What do you do when students dont do their homework? Treat notes the same way. It helps
when notes are built into grading systems. Very carrot and stick but it makes students
accountable.
Progressive options:
Give videos/notes as an option and let students choose to use them as needed. I was amazed
at how my students use my videos more when they werent required but they were expected to
demonstrate understanding before moving on.
Be very careful about allowing students to watch videos in class. You will need to find what
works best for you and your class but remember that the focus of the flipped classroom is to
improve fact-to-face time and allow students to use class time for more effective learning
activities.
Its important that you create a classroom learning environment where if students do watch
videos during class they are missing out on something much more engaging.
For example: If a student doesnt watch the video he/she will have to watch it alone during class
rather than working with friends on a lab.

Questions and Concerns about Flipped Learning

Questions/Concerns from administrators

This does not look like the typical class. If they feel learning can only happen in straight rows
this will be a tough sell. Remember, activity does not necessarily mean chaos.
Communicate early and often about why you are doing this and what they should expect to see.
Selling Points:
How do we know students really get it?
How do we meet the learning needs of all students?
How do we make students accountable for their learning?
Questions/Concerns from teachers
Questions/Concerns from parents
Typical comments:
Thats not how I learned when I was in high school.
Billy says you dont teach him any more.
Communicate early and often. Transparency, especially with grading, is vital.
Hard to logically argue after they understand that:
Students get to work at their pace.
They have choices in how they will learn the content.
They have choices in how they demonstrate understanding.
You (the teacher) are available to help students in any way.
See how math teacher Graham Johnson introduces flipping to parents in this video.
Questions/Concerns from students
This requires some major potty-training. In my experience, many students are used to being
spoon-fed information. Some are really good at playing school but not necessarily learning.
Help them focus on learning the content, not just going through the motions.
They wont like it, but its ok (even necessary) to tell them to redo something they finished but
dont understand. This will be a huge paradigm shift for kids who have the . . . but I finished it
mentality, but its crucial for this to work. Dont worry, they get used to it soon and it completely
changes the learning culture in your classroom.
My favorite story: 2010-2011 School year I taught my chemistry using the Flipped-Mastery
format. I was there the 1st half of the year and then moved to the ISD for the 2nd half and was
replaced by very traditional teacher. One student in particular took every opportunity to tell me
how much she hated how I taught. Her mother came to talk to me one day (very concerned)
about my little experiment. They were very happy when I left and could go back to their
comfort zone. Fast forward four months - this same student approaches me and tells me how
much she missed the Flipped Class set up after I left. She had learned to appreciate the
freedom it gave her to learn at her pace and missed being able to have choices in how she
learned the content.

Flipped Educators Who Share

Are you flipping your classroom and would like to share? Please let me know and I will add you
to this list. (Name, State, Subject Area, Twitter Handle, Class/personal website/YT Channel)
Name

Subject Area

Twitter

Digital Footprint

Jon Bergmann
Illinois

HS Science

@jonbergmann

Aaron Sams
Pennsylvania

HS Science

@chemicalsams

Chemicalsams Blog

Brian Bennett
Indiana

HS Science /
Techsmith

@bennettscience

BrianBennett.org

Dan Spencer (me)

Michigan

HS Science / Tech
Coach

@runfardvs

DanielVSpencer.org
Chemistry Videos

Deb Wolf
South Dakota

HS Science / Tech
Coach

@nebbie_n

Phil McIntosh
Colorado

MS Math

@mistermcintosh

April Gudenrath
Colorado

HS English

@agudteach

Ramsey Musallam
California

HS Chemistry

@ramusallam

Marc Seigel
New Jersey

HS Science

@DaretoChem

Christina R.
New Jersey

HS Social Studies

@smallbutfeisty

US1
US2

Stacey Roshan
Maryland

HS Math

@buddyxo

TechieMusings
YouTube Channel

Kristin Daniels
Minnesota

Tech Coach

@kadaniels

FlippedPD

Lindsay Cole

HS Biology

@lindsaycole

Cheryl Morris
California

HS English

@guster4lovers

Cycles of Learning

Co-Flip
TMI

Andrew Thomasson

HS English

@thomasson_engl

Co-Flip
TMI

Steve Kelly
Michigan

HS Math

@bigkxcountry

Dan Muscarella
Virginia

Math

@danmuscarella

David Fouch
Michigan

HS Social Studies

@davidfouch

Karl Lindgren-Streicher
California

History

@LS_Karl

World History w/ LS
Flipped History blog

Tom Driscoll
Rhode Island

History

@Mr_Driscoll

Flipped History

Tara Becker-Utess
Michigan

HS Government

@t_becker10

iPads for All

Kerry Cule
Quebec

HS Science

@Science_LEARN

CuleChem
CulePhys

Delia Bush
Michigan

Elementary
(5th grade)

@DeliaBush

Blog

Dayson Pasion
North Carolina

MS STEM

@MrDpasion

STEMpunk

Bryan Braack
Iowa

Math,
Project Lead the
Way

@bryanbraack

Class Website

Heather Witten

Spanish

@SraWitten

Flipping My Spanish
Classroom

Jennifer Newitt
New York

HS Science
(Biology)

@jnewbio

Jnewbios Flipped
Teaching

Vincent DuBeau
New Jersey

7-12 Band/Choir

@maestrodubeau

Delsea Music
Mused Maestro Blog
YouTube Channel